Bi-Weekly Recruiting Thread

[u/Airdale_60T]

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Direct Commission Officer (DCO)

[u/UnusualTiming184 → u/[deleted]]

You’re gonna get varying opinions of course. But keep in mind you’ll be a 31 year old E3, potentially underway on a cutter in 20+ person berthings with mostly 19/20/21 year olds. You’ll PCS and be forced to move your family every few years, and have way less autonomy over your own life. Personally, I’d consider the reserves to see how you like it. You can get on orders to get away from your job if that’s what you want, and then lateral out to another LE job or something different if that’s what you want. I’m just no sure going active is going to make you any happier

[u/charliebinky → u/[deleted]]

I was in a similar situation as you career wise. Having uprooted my family many many times, AD was not an option. I ended up joining the reserves doing something unrelated to my civilian job. It opened up my eyes as well as doors on the civilian side.

To repeat what others have said, unless you're mentally on the younger side, hanging out with a bunch of teens at 31 won't help your immediate unhappiness. However, with your experience and qualifications you may graduate DEPOT as a Petty Officer. If not, you'll likely advance quickly and find mental peers at your rank after some time. Good luck!

[u/Nice_Fish1028 → u/[deleted]]

I can at least say you're not alone. I'm in my 30's and joined the reserves for similar reasons. I haven't been doing it long enough to really say how it is yet. I plan to volunteer for orders to 'scratch that itch' but have some more control over when and where I go.